Teledyne Optech’s CL-360 is a survey grade 360-degree laser scanner that enables OEM hardware manufacturers and integrators to develop the next generation of best-in-class UAV, mobile, and terrestrial scanning solutions for various surveying applications.

Being a survey grade lidar scanner means that the resulting 3D points derived from the CL-360 are suitable for applications such as surveying or inspections. More specifically, the accuracy and precision (repeatability) of the points is greater than those obtained by lower performance lidar sensors or other methods such as photogrammetry, according to Mark Treiber, Product Manager, Compact Lidar.

According to Treiber, the biggest differentiator between the CL-360 and other lidar scanners on the market is that the CL-360 has both long-range detection capability needed for UAV operations, and a high scanner speed for use in mobile applications. As a result, lidar system integrators can develop dual-use systems that can either be mounted on a UAV or a mobile vehicle to maximize the end-user’s return on investment. 

“The ability to use CL-360 based lidar systems on both a UAV and on a mobile vehicle is a key value of the CL-360. There are many transportation surveying applications where a mobile survey is required due to accuracy and point density requirements which cannot be achieved from a UAV,” Treiber says. 

“However, these surveys also require a topographic survey away from the road surface which cannot be observed from a lidar scanner mounted to the vehicle. The CL-360 allows a single system to be used for both surveys instead of separate systems.”

The CL-360 also has the industry’s narrowest beam divergence at 0.3mrad 1/e2, which means that laser beam is the tightest on the market, allowing it to penetrate through gaps in vegetation to reach the ground, or for obtaining returns from a power-line. Both are key applications where lidar sensors are used, Treiber notes.

The range of the CL-360 also allows it to be operated at an altitude of 120 meters above ground level (AGL) to cover the largest areas and therefore maximize the data collection productivity. 

“A CL-360 based lidar system gives you assurance that the data you collected will meet your surveying requirements,” Treiber says.

“From a UAV, it allows you to operate from the 120m AGL ceiling and therefore survey an area in the minimal amount of time while having the range and vegetation penetration capability to survey the surface hidden beneath the trees with survey grade accuracy while also capturing tricky to collect utility wires. In the event that all the data cannot be collected from a UAV you can take the same system and mount it to a vehicle for higher accuracy and greater point density collects of road surfaces and assets.

Photo below: Teledyne Optech’s CL-360 is a survey grade 360-degree laser scanner that enables OEM hardware manufacturers and integrators to develop the next generation of best-in-class UAV, mobile, and terrestrial scanning solutions for various surveying applications.